Chairman of the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Pius Oiwoh on Wednesday, denied claims the branch had endorsed a candidate ahead of Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial election.
Reports had been making the rounds that Oiwoh had expressed support for All Progressives Congress’ Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Reacting to the claim in a statement, Oiwoh said: “My attention has been drawn to a false, mischievous statement circulating on the social media, that I, Mr. Pius Oiwoh, the chairman of NBA, Benin branch, have endorsed the candidate of the APC, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, in the coming governorship election in Edo State.
“I wish to make it clear that I nor the branch did not endorse any candidate. In fact, the candidates of the two major parties in the coming governorship election visited the Bar secretariat on different days when they were hailed for their support to the Bar and the Judiciary, while their attention was drawn to areas of intervention if elected.
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“I even resisted the urge to grant a motion calling for endorsement of the candidate of the APC.
“At the end of such engagements, we urged members to go and vote for a candidate of their choice.
“The NBA is an observer in the election and as chairman of a branch; I am estopped from endorsing a particular candidate
“I urge the public to disregard the aforesaid online publication.”
